Nagpur Communal Clash Victim Dies from Severe Head Injuries

Irfan Ansari Loses Life After Brutal Attack

Incident Overview

Irfan Ansari, a 38-year-old man, succumbed to severe head injuries sustained during the Nagpur communal clashes on March 17. Dr. Sagar Pande, deputy medical superintendent at Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital, confirmed his death at 1.20 pm on Saturday.

Victim’s Occupation and Circumstances

Ansari, a welder, left his home around 11 pm on March 17 to catch a train to Itarsi in Madhya Pradesh. Due to the violence, the autorickshaw dropped him off at Central Avenue, and he continued on foot. Unfortunately, he was attacked by a mob.

Affected Areas

The railway station was among the areas affected by the violence. Ansari’s family was later informed by the hospital about his critical condition after the police brought him in for treatment.

Brief Recovery and Recount of Attack

Imran Ansari, the victim’s brother, shared that his brother briefly regained consciousness in the intensive care unit at Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital. During this time, he recounted the harrowing ordeal.

Timeline of Events

• The Nagpur violence on March 17 occurred hours after Hindutva groups protested in the city, demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb located in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.
• The clashes began in central Nagpur’s Chitnis Park at 7.30 pm.
• Stones were thrown at the police amid rumors that a cloth with the Islamic declaration of faith, known as the Kalma, had been burnt during an agitation by a Hindutva group in the late afternoon.
• Another clash took place in Hansapuri, an area close to Chitnis Park, between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm. The violence also spread to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth areas.

Police Intervention and Arrests

The police have arrested 92 individuals and taken 12 minors into custody in connection with the violence.

Chief Minister’s Remarks

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Saturday that the cost of property damage during the Nagpur violence on March 17 will be recovered from the rioters themselves.